Today we were lucky enough to have a most helpful chat with Dr Geoffrey Squires who is an Orthodontist in Gladesville. Geoffrey gave us answers to some of the common question he gets asked by patients.
Firstly though, our question to Geoffrey was ‘What is the difference between an Orthodontist and a Dentist?’. Geoffrey explained they often work hand in hand, but orthodontists specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of teeth and jaw alignment issues so if you are experiencing problems in these areas, it pays to see a specialist Orthodontist.
Read on to find out more from Geoffrey:
Question: I have just had my braces off and I am back to my normal brushing and flossing routine. I notice my gums are now bleeding when I floss. What should I do?
Answer: It is quite common to have this problem once you resume proper flossing. It is only temporary as long as you don’t stop flossing. Keep doing it at least once each day. For the first few days the bleeding will continue and that part of the gums will feel sore. However by about the fourth to fifth day the gums will be almost healed. After that, as long as you keep flossing each day the gums will stay healthy with no bleeding or soreness.
Question: My young son is now 7 and his new top front teeth have come through with some whitish markings on them. What can be done about it?
Answer: The majority, if not all, of these blemishes will invariably disappear with time. When these teeth come through they are not fully mature. Once they start to be bathed by saliva and get the benefits of fluoride from our water and toothpaste their surfaces will start to become fully mineralized. Sometimes childhood illnesses and some other factors can cause markings on teeth. Your dentist can advise you on this.
Question: I’ve heard about fissure sealants. What are they?
Answer: A fissure sealant is a plastic coating placed over any deep grooves in the biting surfaces of back teeth. Because these grooves are so narrow and deep, a toothbrush cannot clean them properly. Consequently they are prime sites for tooth decay. A fissure sealant helps prevent this happening. The process is simple and requires no injections.
Dr Geoffrey Squires, Specialist Orthodontist
Gladesville Specialist Dental Centre
2/1 Jordan Street, Gladesville
1300 760 561
www.squiresothordontics.com.au
